Fatigue mechanisms in metal matrix composite laminates

Certain aspects of the damage process are described. The shakedown phenomenon in laminates is first explained. This is followed by a presentation of matrix test data used in evaluating the shakedown limits of the laminates used in the subsequent experiments. Test results suggesting that there is no loss of elastic stiffness in laminates loaded at constant amplitudes within their shakedown limits are presented. Damage accumulation and the development of the saturation damage state are illustrated by experimental results on specimens loaded outside the shakedown range. Attention is also given to the behavior of laminates subjected to variable cyclic loading.